"Reimu, is everything ready?" asked Marisa, to which Reimu replied, "Uh-huh. That's why I'm here." She'd gone all out to prepare for today, and as she looked toward the entrance, she saw more and more familiar faces making their way into Hakurei Shrine. "I'm so glad it's sunny today." "Yep, no one likes a rainy festival." The two chatted away absentmindedly, their excitement building with each moment. Today was a special day for all those in Gensokyo―it was the day of the 11th Hakurei Shrine Fall Reitaisai. But at that moment, Reimu and Marisa had no way of knowing who would attend and what was to unfold.

The Hakurei Shrine Fall Reitaisai is an annual festival, and like all annual festivals, it comforts the people of Gensokyo. It reassures them nothing overly terrible is going on, for if it was, there's no way a festival could be held. It seems even the youkai find comfort in the festivals... A komainu danced joyfully atop the wooden stage, accompanied by a maid, whose dancing was markedly more refined. Even the elusive flower youkai could be seen dancing. You might think that strange given there were no flowers on the stage, but if you take a look at the sky, you'll see it was filled with flowers of blazing light. And given that all the youkai gathered on and around the stage were just as beautiful as any flower, there was more than enough reason for her to be there. She tended to forget, but she too was like an enchanting flower, or rather a whole wreath of them, drawing in all who gaze upon her. Just look, even the insect youkai couldn't resist her allure.

"I can't believe those sisters came..." "Of course they did. They love festivals." The festival was alive with singing and merrymaking. On this day, there were no allies or enemies. Everyone came together, even those who had previously battled against each other. Naturally, that included sisters, who had decided that letting loose together on festival day wasn't so bad. There were two pairs of sisters up in the sky. The elder sisters watched over their younger sisters with more affection than usual as they adorably babbled away. Bathed in the soft paper lantern light, the older sisters seemed more down to Earth than ever―despite being up in the sky. The mistresses of the Palace of the Earth Spirits and the Scarlet Devil Mansion had forgotten about titles and chosen to watch over their troublesome little sisters as they enjoyed the festival. In truth, they'd been looking forward to this day, for the festival provided them with an excuse to spend time with their beloved sisters.

Why is Reitaisai held anyway? A strict explanation is possible, but do festivals really need a reason to be held? ...Perhaps they do, but on the day of the festival, there isn't a soul that cares. The sound of taiko drums and trumpets filled the air. Those who listened closely could also hear soft notes of violin and keyboard. The free-flowing rhythm delighted the festival-goers and made it impossible for them not to dance. In fact, some couldn't help but burst out into song, while others hummed to themselves with a mouthful of dango. On festival day, the why and how of it all really don't matter. All that matters is having fun. The Hakurei Shrine Fall Reitaisai is always such a success because it represents absolute freedom, just as the Hakurei shrine maiden does.

As time went by, the festival grew ever more exciting. "Who set off those massive fireworks?!" "What do you mean? This is your festival, ain't it?" Enormous fireworks lit up the sky, much to the surprise of the shrine maiden. Freedom is a wonderful thing, as are festivals embodying it. But it seemed like there was such a thing as too much freedom... "I'd bet it was that amanojaku..." "I'm gonna go show her who's boss. Marisa, you're coming with me!" The shrine maiden cracked her knuckles and started her hunt for the amanojaku. The magician rolled her eyes and set off alongside her. Seeing the fire in the shrine maiden's eyes, the surrounding youkai began jeering at her. But a little firework prank wasn't enough to stop the fun, and the festival went on as planned. After all, no festival is complete without a good prank... and the shrine maiden's ensuing rage.